(TRAVERSE CITY & PLYMOUTH) Small and medium sized businesses have a new resource for selling and purchasing Michigan companies. Founded by two seasoned executives and entrepreneurs, Fred Manuel and Curtis Kuttnauer are bringing their considerable expertise to the transfer of business ownership to benefit both sellers and buyers. Golden Circle Advisors will be providing services across a spectrum of businesses, specializing in Wineries/Craft Breweries, Healthcare, Fast Food, Staffing & Recruiting, Security and Solid Waste related firms. Golden Circle Advisors has developed a refreshing philosophy, “Sell Smart/Buy Smart.”

Manuel and Kuttnauer have been evaluating acquisition opportunities, but found it difficult to locate satisfactory firms to help in the process. “I have spent considerable time trying to communicate with various business brokers regarding acquiring a business and discovered there is a real need for qualified business brokers in Michigan,” Manuel said. Kuttnauer went on to explain “The ‘A’ Ha’ moment happened when on the phone with Fred, I said to him that we should start our own firm. We both have the customer service focus and aptitude to offer the level of service needed by both buyers and sellers,” Kuttnauer said; moreover, Manuel and Kuttnauer have developed a new program unique to the buying and selling of businesses that creates an effective, fast and efficient platform for marketing existing businesses to potential buyers.

Mr. Manuel has prior experience in Merger & Acquisitions. As a former newspaper CEO and corporate board member in Healthcare and banking; both Kuttnauer and Manuel have years of business experience as founders and operators of several small businesses, including franchises. Manuel emphasized that “we are very well positioned to become a true business advisor for our clients.” Currently both serve on corporate Boards of Directors, Manuel is Board Chairman for GTA, Global Technology Associates, a leading placement firm specializing in the automotive industry and Kuttnauer serves on the Board of Directors of The Pathfinder School in Traverse City, Michigan.

Golden Circle Advisors will work with clients throughout Michigan with offices in Traverse City and Plymouth, MI. “Our locations are ideal for supporting clients anywhere in Michigan. We have seen a lot of interest and the growing trend of business owners looking for a path to move from Southeastern Michigan and relocating to Northern Michigan,” Kuttnauer said.

Mr. Kuttnauer spent 16 years with IBM in various sales and sales management positions. While working at IBM, he owned and operated three Hungry Howie’s franchises. In 2000, he founded a boutique executive search firm, Kuttnauer Search Group, specializing in both the high technology and private K-12 education industries. In addition, he has done consulting work with organizations in the alignment of sales compensation plans to business strategies, he was also have consulted with clients in helping them reduce their operation costs as a Principal with Alliance Cost Containment.

Golden Circle Advisors, Inc. (GCA) Golden Circle Advisors is a business intermediary advisory firm that specializes in working with small to mid-sized privately held businesses. Working with owners in positioning and marketing their business for sale. Using a comprehensive process to identify appropriate acquirers through various marketing methods and utilizing an extensive network, including private equity firms, owners of privately held corporations and individual investors.

Business Sales, Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Auctions, Business Valuations